If you are ready to raise the bar, hiring an executive coach will help you achieve your goals faster and cultivate lasting positive change in your life. You may need some clarity or are facing specific challenges. Alternatively, perhaps you are doing well but recognize you are not tapping into your full potential. The sky is the limit with self-development. Similar to an athlete trying to get to the next level, you realize that the right coach could be the extra competitive edge you need. Now what?

Executive coaching is a relatively new field. According to the CEO of the International Coach Federation, just a decade ago people were reluctant to talk openly about having a coach. Now it is like a “badge of honor,” a sign you are investing in your future. Some observers argue that coaching will eventually overtake consulting.

Coaching standards and credentials are not uniform, so the onus is on you to do your due diligence. When hiring a coach, you must first be clear about your goals. What do you want to achieve? What would you like to focus on? Then seek the coach who will be the right fit for you. This is a highly personal choice, one that should not be rushed or forced.

An executive wellness coach is distinct from other coaches in that we stress a holistic approach incorporating both professional and personal transformation. I work with clients to elevate performance and improve business outcomes. I also empower them to thrive in other areas of their lives. I see each person as an ecosystem—the whole cannot flourish unless each of its individual parts does.

Prioritize coaching experience and track record

A Harvard Business School survey of industry leaders lists experience and track record as the top criteria one should consider in choosing a quality executive coach, and this is consistent with my own experience. Training and credentials are crucial. Look for someone with credible coaching and wellness training as a basic requirement. A background in psychology and a relevant track record in the business world are an added advantage.

However, the real test of a coach’s efficacy is their history of changing lives. A coach’s client list is an essential part of their track record. A prospective coach should be willing to provide you with client testimonials and references. A good executive wellness coach will guide you on an empowering journey of sustainable change. If their previous clients’ experience resonates with you, that is a good sign you are on the right track.

The more experience your coach has, the more versatile and effective they are at getting results quickly. They offer you greater value. That wealth of experience comes at a premium but is worth the investment in the long run.

Look for a clear methodology

The Harvard Business Review survey found a clear written methodology to be the second most important criterion in choosing a coach. Coaching is very much about the process, and you want to know what your coach’s process is, and that their approach is one that will work for you.

Much of this assessment is subjective. Coaches have a wide range of styles and approaches. A style or method that works for some may not be a good fit for you.

One very particular aspect of a coach’s methodology concerns the tools and strategies they use to help clients get unstuck. We all have blocks and blind spots that prevent us from achieving our full potential. You want a coach with a full toolbox they can dip into to help you transcend your limitations. This is where a coach’s training and experience really pays off.

Other tips

Try before you buy. It is standard practice for coaches to offer a complimentary phone consultation. This is an opportunity to gauge their approach and to assess mutual compatibility. Personal chemistry is critical. Trust your instincts. Do you feel comfortable with the coach? Are they confident they can help you and do you feel confident they are well-suited to work with you? A successful coaching relationship is a collaboration, and you want to make sure you have the right partner.

Look for a coach who customizes plans for individual clients. A one-size-fits-all approach is ineffective. In your initial conversations, be very clear and specific about your goals. Ask how they would help you achieve those goals. You want to feel your coach understands and can relate to you.

Finding the right coach is a very personal matter. You want to find the best fit in style, approach, and values. It can be helpful if the coach has an online presence so you can get a clear read of their philosophy and values.

Finally, start with a short to mid-term arrangement so you can assess how things are progressing. Six or twelve-month commitments are standard. Keep in mind that lasting change takes time.

Key questions to ask

• What kind of training and experience do you have? You will already have a sense of this from their website and LinkedIn profile, but question a prospective coach about their track record. Coaching is currently an unregulated industry, and you want to avoid self-proclaimed coaches without the training and experience to back it up.
• Who is your typical client? What is your specialty? Every coach will have their own strengths—a particular kind of client they are best suited for. ake sure that your needs align with their strengths.
• What is your approach? Do you work holistically? If you are specifically looking for an executive wellness coach, that means you are committed to transforming all areas of your life. You want a coach with a truly holistic approach and philosophy.

A successful relationship with an executive wellness coach is a collaboration in every sense of the word. You must bring a willingness to change and a certain vulnerability to the table. Your coach brings a set of tools and strategies to help you overcome and transcend the limitations that have been holding you back. They can also help you tap into latent or underutilized strengths. The high-level objective of coaching is to fully leverage your gifts, maximize your potential, and create lasting change.

When you have found the right match, the chemistry between you and your coach will be strong and palpable. Chemistry and motivation are the most powerful drivers of the coaching partnership that leads you to become the best version of yourself. It is a journey worth taking. Do your research first, and then take the leap. You will not regret it.